2026 Hyundai Venue vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Hyundai Venue was classified as a crossover SUV, though its dimensions and design suggested it was more akin to a tall hatchback. With only front-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 6.7 inches, it was not as elevated as typical crossover SUVs. The Venue's design leaned more towards a crossover aesthetic, featuring an upright windshield, bluff nose, and standard roof rails, which gave it a small and narrow appearance. The Venue's interior was simple and functional, with a digital instrument cluster and a small touchscreen that resembled an iPad affixed to the dash. The body-color trim around the air vents and shifter added a touch of the exterior's feel to the inside.

In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 presented a wide and squat stance, resembling a lifted wagon more than an SUV. It offered a choice of 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid models, with various trim levels. The CX-50's design was sporty, with flared fenders and appealing paint colors, including the new Cypress green. The interior featured white leather seats, 20-inch silver wheels, and a black dashboard, creating a sharp contrast. The cabin exuded an upscale feel with tasteful metallic accents and quality materials, although the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches. The partially digital gauges were clear, and most controls were user-friendly, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue was powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels. The Venue's acceleration was modest, with a 0-60 mph time ranging from 8.5 to 8.8 seconds, aided by its lightweight 2,738-pound frame. While peppy in city traffic, the Venue struggled at highway speeds due to its limited torque and slow transmission response. Handling was stable and direct, benefiting from its small size and low weight, though the ride could be jiggly on uneven surfaces.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a more robust performance with its 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid forms. The base 2.5 S delivered 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version offered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The CX-50's hybrid model produced 219 horsepower, utilizing Toyota-sourced components for improved fuel efficiency. The CX-50's steering was crisp, and its suspension provided excellent body control, though the ride was firm. The Turbo model's power delivery was satisfying, despite its lower-than-expected fuel economy. The CX-50 was equipped with AWD and various driving modes, making it versatile for different terrains.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue's interior featured cloth and synthetic leather seats with manual adjustments, providing decent comfort and support. Headroom was ample, but legroom was limited for taller occupants. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, though space was tight for taller passengers. The Venue offered 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, but only 18.7 cubic feet with them up. The interior materials were predominantly hard black plastic, with limited soft-touch surfaces, reflecting cost-cutting measures.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 provided easier access than a sedan, though its lower seating position might not suit everyone. The front seats were firm, with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Dual-zone climate control was standard, but the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with good thigh support and comfort. The CX-50's cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage space was decent, though some opportunities for improvement were missed.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue came with an 8-inch touchscreen for basic infotainment functions, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was simple and responsive, though it lacked features like navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The audio system was a basic six-speaker unit, sufficient for casual listening.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with sophisticated graphics, offering touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system was operated via a control knob, requiring some acclimation. Alexa built-in and a Mazda Connect voice assistant were available, though the latter was less reliable. The CX-50 offered wireless smartphone charging, a Bose premium sound system, and a head-up display on higher trims. A surround-view camera system and parking assistance were also available.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue was equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control. The Venue received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with mixed ratings from the IIHS.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added advanced features like traffic-sign recognition and a surround-view camera system. The CX-50 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though it scored poorly in a new whiplash prevention test.